Chicago - Christmas Eve in Chicago is a special time — the city is full of excitement and magical moments. Here's a list of activities to make the night before Christmas unforgettable. The festive outdoor market where you can shop for unique gifts, enjoy tasty German treats, and experience holiday cheer is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

At Yorktown Center in Lombard, just about everyone who spoke with CBS News Chicago on Monday said the act of going out and physically shopping puts them in the Christmas spirit.

While many in the Chicago area may be dreaming of a white Christmas, a chance of rain showers alongside cloudy skies and temperatures above freezing will leave residents across the region waiting until next year.